The airport had said: "We understand passengers will be frustrated by the delays they are experiencing.

"We are working closely with the police to ensure passengers are not inconvenienced unnecessarily but we must ensure that the safety and security of all our passengers and staff remains our top priority."

One user of Twitter, James Blake, said there was initially "chaos" at the airport following the announcement that it was being evacuated.

Paul Green posted: "One automated alarm telling us to stay where we are. Another telling us to leave."

Image copyrightSOUTH BEDS NEWS AGENCYImage caption
Some passengers were waiting on a plane

Image copyrightSOUTH BEDS NEWS AGENCYImage caption
A controlled explosion was carried out at about 17:15

Image copyright@gavindjharperImage caption
A bomb disposal vehicle was photographed arriving at the airport

But soon after, Jim Hearson said everyone was calm and the staff were "coping well".

He said food and drink were being given out to the passengers while they waited for further information.

Declan Clifford, 22, was due to fly to Turkey at 15:05 but was evacuated on to the taxiway.

"We're now sitting outside waiting," he said. "We are being told nothing, we are being kept in the dark.

"They've brought us water and have also brought some of the buses over so we can sit in them."

Image copyrightSOUTH BEDS NEWS AGENCYImage caption
People were given food and drink while they waited for updates

Image copyrightSOUTH BEDS NEWS AGENCYImage caption
All inbound flights were suspended following the discovery of the package

Natalie Pinder, from Stevenage, was turned away from the airport.

"We have four children and are due to fly out at 18:20 to Ibiza," she said.

"I'm not happy as I can't even get through to EasyJet. We're back at home waiting for news."